The chemistry of carbon in the oceans
Why is carbonate so important
The use of CaCO3 by different organisms
Invertebrates and shells
Vertebrates and otoliths
Ocean Acidification – Ken Clifton
Today's main topic: Ocean acidification and climate effects on coral reefs
First: A quick review of coral biology and the ecology of coral reefs (from your reading)
Then: How does adding Carbon to the atmosphere affect coral reefs?
1) Global warming - what you hear about more (click here for a decent, though slightly dated, summary of these ideas)
Increasing sea temperatures and coral bleaching (recall from a previous treatment of this topic)
Increasing sea temperatures and sea-level rise
Increasing atmospheric temperatures and storms
2) Ocean Acidification – this has nothing to do with climate change
The chemistry of carbon in the oceans
Why is carbonate so important
The use of CaCO3 by different organisms
Invertebrates and shells
Vertebrates and otoliths
What does all this mean for the future of coral reefs and life in the oceans?
